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Oman: Fish prices on upswing as Ramadan nears

MUSCAT: The rise in the prices of fish is worrying customers, especially with the holy month of Ramadan, round the corner.

Incidentally, the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had recently urged importers, distributors and retailers to stay away from jacking up prices of essentials commodities during Ramadan. "The increase in price has happened despite the government keeping a constant vigil on the price situation," customers complain.

But there is some hope for the consumers because a meeting hosted yesterday by Oman's Chamber of Commerce and Industry attended by dealers, suppliers and representatives from the Department of Consumer Protection in the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Consumer Protection Association discussed the current price situation.

Khalil bin Abdullah Al Khonji, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, the meeting was held since the chamber wanted to appeal to the traders to provide basic food commodities at a reasonable price during the month of Ramadan."

He added that the meeting also discussed the current prices and opened the door for discussion between suppliers and traders. There is a need for them to cooperate in public interest.

"Through this meeting, it was also possible to know about the proportion of consumption and rates of rise in prices and sales," said Al Khonji.

Meanwhile, fishermen attributed high prices to the high temperatures because of which the catch is less. Khaled Ali, a fish trader said, "Fishermen are charging high prices because of increased demand and lower volumes. This explains why the dealers are selling at a high rate."

But consumers are extremely unhappy. Abdullah Al Balushi, a teacher, said, "The fish prices can be compared to that of gold."

Rashid Mohammed, an employee in the government sector is hoping that the price will come down.

"Fish based dishes are integral part of Iftar meals. With prices so high it would hurt the pockets of the common man. I request the concerned authorities to seriously look into the matter and pull up the erring dealers," he said.

The Consumer Protection Department in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been closely watching retail prices of essential commodities at supermarkets/hypermarkets on a weekly basis.

Supervisors are also visiting food outlets and the fruit and vegetable market to check prices during the peak season when the demand soars.

"Moreover meetings with suppliers, traders and owners of shopping centres will be held to discuss the situation in the markets and create more coordination and cooperation so that the consumers benefit in the end," an official said.

By Fahad Al Ghadani

© Times of Oman 2010